The town of Smyrna is actively conducting a special census, with officials reporting significant progress in the count. As of the latest update, approximately 15,000 residents have been accounted for, representing about 13 to 15% of the total population. The census aims to capture an accurate population figure before the next federal census in 2030, which is crucial for securing additional state funding.

Residents have multiple options to participate in the census: they can complete and return a blue form sent home with students, fill it out online via the town's website, or provide their information over the phone. The information required includes the Smyrna address, the number of residents in the household, and the full names of each resident, regardless of age. Importantly, there are no citizenship requirements for participation, and all responses are confidential for 72 years.

Town officials emphasized the financial benefits of an accurate count, noting that each resident counted translates to $175 in state share tax revenue. With the town's population estimated to have grown from 53,000 to approximately 58,000, the special census is seen as a proactive measure to secure necessary funds to maintain town services and keep property taxes low.

Officials urged residents to complete the census promptly to avoid the need for door-to-door follow-ups, which would divert resources from other community services. The deadline for completing the census is set for early March of next year.